Pertamina Clarifies Restrictions on Pertalite Fuel for Modified Motorcycles

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has finally spoken out regarding the policy of a number of Public Fuel Filling Stations (SPBU) that have begun restricting the purchase of subsidised fuel for Suzuki Thunder motorcycles. The policy was implemented as an anticipatory measure to prevent the suspected misuse of subsidised fuel.

Corporate Secretary of Pertamina Patra Niaga, Roberth M.V. Dumatubun, stated that the restriction is a proactive policy adopted by the individual SPBUs. “This policy is a proactive policy taken by the SPBUs. The regulation is the policy of each SPBU,” he said.

Nevertheless, he stressed that in principle, Pertamina supports the targeted distribution of subsidised fuel. Therefore, the company urges both two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles to use subsidised fuel reasonably and according to normal needs.

Roberth then denied the notion that the policy was aimed at a specific motorcycle brand. According to him, Suzuki Thunder motorcycles used for normal daily activities do not experience problems when refuelling at SPBUs. “Regarding specific brands, this is not a limitation or specificity; in fact, a statement from the Chairman of the Motorcycle Club confirmed they did not encounter any obstacles when refuelling at SPBUs because the bikes are indeed used for reasonable daily activities,” he said.

However, he acknowledged that in the field, several individuals were found to be exploiting certain types of motorcycles by modifying the fuel tank so that its capacity exceeds the manufacturer’s specifications or by refuelling repeatedly. “This is what prompted the policy to emerge, with a positive spirit for supply equalisation and no intention to discredit a specific brand,” said Roberth.